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How can I find the perfect job for me without a college degree?
I’m currently an administrative assistant, but I feel that my capabilities are wasted. I was told by my boss that my standards are too high.
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21 answers
Updated
Isaiah’s Answer
Good morning, Karla!
It sounds like you are expanding and elevating in your mindset, and your life should reflect that! It's excellent to have a growth mindset and aspirations to be and do more.
I would highly suggest spending some with reflecting on and exploring your primary interests and passions. Often, that's the springboard to success!
I wanted to provide you this free tool that I use when counseling students: O*NET Interest Profiler at My Next Move https://share.google/xJ1TBptefo3SMmlM4
This will help you identify key areas of expertise, interest, and give insight into industries that may be a good fit. It also gives details on education required as well as projected pay.
Continue to dive deep into this and also feel confident in putting yourself out there to try new things. Trades are always needed and you can truly establish yourself well in that area, without a college degree. It's all dependent on what's best for you.
I hope this helps!
Isaiah D R-W, M.Ed.
O*NET Interest Profiler at My Next Move https://share.google/xJ1TBptefo3SMmlM4
It sounds like you are expanding and elevating in your mindset, and your life should reflect that! It's excellent to have a growth mindset and aspirations to be and do more.
I would highly suggest spending some with reflecting on and exploring your primary interests and passions. Often, that's the springboard to success!
I wanted to provide you this free tool that I use when counseling students: O*NET Interest Profiler at My Next Move https://share.google/xJ1TBptefo3SMmlM4
This will help you identify key areas of expertise, interest, and give insight into industries that may be a good fit. It also gives details on education required as well as projected pay.
Continue to dive deep into this and also feel confident in putting yourself out there to try new things. Trades are always needed and you can truly establish yourself well in that area, without a college degree. It's all dependent on what's best for you.
I hope this helps!
Isaiah D R-W, M.Ed.
Isaiah recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Holly’s Answer
Many successful professionals don't have a college degree, so you're in good company! Try using job search sites like Indeed or ChatGPT to find positions that don't require a degree. Look for jobs that seem interesting or fun to you. Remember, your first job might not be perfect, but every experience helps build your resume and opens doors to new opportunities. Consider volunteering with a nonprofit to start at an entry-level position and work your way up. Believe in yourself—you can do it!
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Advisor | Freelance Writer | TRIO Program Director
1060
Answers
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Hi Karla:
I would consider looking into some adult education technical certificate programs, which are normally offered at local junior, community and technical colleges. Even if you do not intend to pursue a bachelors degree, these can be potentially very helpful in assisting you to make career changes and choices.
These certificate and technical programs offer focused, job-oriented training to gain or enhance workplace skills in fields like technology, business, and healthcare, or to specialize in future education and training roles such as a corporate trainer, curriculum developer, or community educator. The programs, are normally designed for career advancement, career changes, and professional development by providing relevant, practical knowledge and skills that lead directly to employment or a deeper understanding of specific industries.
So, going the technical college and professional certification route, might be something to seriously look at.
I would consider looking into some adult education technical certificate programs, which are normally offered at local junior, community and technical colleges. Even if you do not intend to pursue a bachelors degree, these can be potentially very helpful in assisting you to make career changes and choices.
These certificate and technical programs offer focused, job-oriented training to gain or enhance workplace skills in fields like technology, business, and healthcare, or to specialize in future education and training roles such as a corporate trainer, curriculum developer, or community educator. The programs, are normally designed for career advancement, career changes, and professional development by providing relevant, practical knowledge and skills that lead directly to employment or a deeper understanding of specific industries.
So, going the technical college and professional certification route, might be something to seriously look at.
Updated
Annah’s Answer
Karla, where there is a will there is a way! Also, I want to point out it is great to have ambition and want to set your career bar higher. I have held many a job that was either mind numbing or interesting enough. By the latter, what I mean is that I enjoyed the work but felt it did not allow me to use my cognitive and creative strengths. And this ultimately felt unsatisfying. I also know what it is like to feel stuck in something or not know how to take steps toward something else with more growth potential. There may be ways to set yourself up in an apprenticeship- where you are getting hands-on learning while getting paid. I don't know how prevalent such situations are and it may depend on the skill. I know people who have done this with crafts- such as jewelry making, or agricultural positions (working on a farm). To do something like this you need someone who believes in your capacity and values this type of education. I agree with other commenters about trade schools- many associated with community colleges. There is a range of programs from dental hygienist, nursing, digital arts, legal assistant, to marine technology. If you like administrative type tasks, you might consider training in something like grant writing or paralegal studies. Alternatives- beauty school or massage school. Many of these career paths pay as well as someone in my position with a graduate degree. Also, there are ways to attend part time or online while maintaining your current employment. Since COVID the number of online certifications has exploded; you can even get a PhD online these days. Do you need to do all this at once? Heck no. First figure out what it is you want to do, what you are good at, your ideal lifestyle, and the kind of work that suits your personality. Is organization your superpower, do you prefer being a team member or want to be in charge (management)? Do you want your work to impact your community or the environment? Do your research into potential paths with and without additional training. Some careers may favor applicants with college degrees but not turn away those without- for instance, flight attendant, police officer, or peer counselor. No matter what, any work experience is valuable! What you are doing now will pave the way for what you do next. We spend a lot of time working so this is a great and important question!
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
Hi Karla! I appreciate your question and the fact that you’re thinking about future opportunities that may align more closely with your capabilities. Feedback from others such as your boss or coworkers can certainly be useful, but it doesn’t mean their opinions define your truth. If you feel your capabilities are underutilized in your current role, it may be worth exploring new opportunities. As a career coach, I often remind people to lean into their talents. When we understand our skills and strengths, we can put them to meaningful use and spend our time doing work that energizes us. This not only leads to greater career satisfaction but also supports a healthier sense of work–life integration.
I encourage you to reflect on your capabilities. What comes naturally to you? What tasks put you “in the flow,” where you lose track of time? What type of work do you naturally gravitate toward? These are great starting points for exploring careers that align with your strengths and interests. Additionally, I would recommend using O*Net (https://www.onetonline.org/) and their interest assessment (https://www.mynextmove.org/explore/ip) to further explore your career interests.
It is also important to remember that the “perfect” career does not exist, at least not for the majority of people. Even in roles we love, there will be moments when work feels like work and that’s okay. Instead of chasing perfection, try reframing how you view your career: seek a path that complements your values and lifestyle. This shift in perspective can make a significant difference in your overall satisfaction, helping you pursue a career that’s a strong fit rather than chasing something unattainable. The goal is to find work that feels meaningful and sustainable, essentially work that allows you to feel both challenged and content.
Hope this helps! Good luck as you explore new opportunities.
I encourage you to reflect on your capabilities. What comes naturally to you? What tasks put you “in the flow,” where you lose track of time? What type of work do you naturally gravitate toward? These are great starting points for exploring careers that align with your strengths and interests. Additionally, I would recommend using O*Net (https://www.onetonline.org/) and their interest assessment (https://www.mynextmove.org/explore/ip) to further explore your career interests.
It is also important to remember that the “perfect” career does not exist, at least not for the majority of people. Even in roles we love, there will be moments when work feels like work and that’s okay. Instead of chasing perfection, try reframing how you view your career: seek a path that complements your values and lifestyle. This shift in perspective can make a significant difference in your overall satisfaction, helping you pursue a career that’s a strong fit rather than chasing something unattainable. The goal is to find work that feels meaningful and sustainable, essentially work that allows you to feel both challenged and content.
Hope this helps! Good luck as you explore new opportunities.
Updated
Kristen’s Answer
Hi Karla!
You know yourself better than anyone else does. If you know that your current position is not challenging and that you not only have the interest, but the ability to do more, then trust in that and in yourself. You're taking the right first steps in asking the question.
Similar to what others have already said, first, it is essential to determine what you want to do and where your interests lie. This can be overwhelming to sort through and figure out. You shared that you feel as though you can do more than what you currently do in your job. But using your current job is a place to start. Ask yourself the following questions:
What do I like about my current position? In other words, what skills do you use? Do you interact with people in person or over the phone? Do you help organize schedules, plan meetings, make travel arrangements, set up lunches, dinner reservations, etc? After you construct this list, ask yourself these questions. Do I like working with people? Do I like planning meetings and events? Do I like dealing with food services? Etc.
Then ask yourself, what do I do in this role that comes easily to me? Where do I feel like I can do more? Write that list out.
When answering the above questions, think not about the job title or the company, but about what skills and traits you actively use to do your job. When you hit upon the areas that you excel at, use them as your focus to look for other careers that will enable you to use and expand upon what you have. This gets you going, looking, exploring, and considering what else is out there and working towards taking the next step.
Taking steps to find something that is a better fit for you moves you forward and opens the door to so many possibilities. Keep your head up. It will come together.
Take Good Care!
You know yourself better than anyone else does. If you know that your current position is not challenging and that you not only have the interest, but the ability to do more, then trust in that and in yourself. You're taking the right first steps in asking the question.
Similar to what others have already said, first, it is essential to determine what you want to do and where your interests lie. This can be overwhelming to sort through and figure out. You shared that you feel as though you can do more than what you currently do in your job. But using your current job is a place to start. Ask yourself the following questions:
What do I like about my current position? In other words, what skills do you use? Do you interact with people in person or over the phone? Do you help organize schedules, plan meetings, make travel arrangements, set up lunches, dinner reservations, etc? After you construct this list, ask yourself these questions. Do I like working with people? Do I like planning meetings and events? Do I like dealing with food services? Etc.
Then ask yourself, what do I do in this role that comes easily to me? Where do I feel like I can do more? Write that list out.
When answering the above questions, think not about the job title or the company, but about what skills and traits you actively use to do your job. When you hit upon the areas that you excel at, use them as your focus to look for other careers that will enable you to use and expand upon what you have. This gets you going, looking, exploring, and considering what else is out there and working towards taking the next step.
Taking steps to find something that is a better fit for you moves you forward and opens the door to so many possibilities. Keep your head up. It will come together.
Take Good Care!
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1205
Answers
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Karia,
To begin with, your expectations aren't "too high"; rather, they're guiding you toward more fulfilling careers. Not having a college degree doesn't mean you can't get a job; it just means your path may be different. You already have transferable abilities, including communication, scheduling, organizing, and problem-solving, because of your prior administrative experience. In many positions outside of administrative ones, those form the basis.
Here are some directions worth exploring:
- Project coordination/management: organizing timelines, tasks, and teams.
- Customer success/client relations: supporting clients, solving problems, and building relationships.
- Operations: making systems run smoothly in businesses or nonprofits.
- Sales support or account management: using people skills plus admin strengths.
- Creative/tech-adjacent roles: social media management, content creation, basic design, or entry-level IT support (many don’t require a degree if you show skill).
How to start moving forward:
- Audit your skills: list out what you’re good at and what you actually enjoy doing in your current role.
- Upskill smartly: explore short courses or certifications (many free/low-cost online). For example, Google certificates in project management, digital marketing, or UX design carry weight even without a degree.
- Network: let people in your circle know you’re exploring. Sometimes opportunities come through conversations, not job boards.
- Target job titles, not industries: you may find roles in nonprofits, startups, or corporate settings that all use the same skill set in different ways.
The "perfect job" is about aligning your abilities with environments that reward them, not about going after one magical title. And you have the groundwork to make that change already.
Best wishes!
To begin with, your expectations aren't "too high"; rather, they're guiding you toward more fulfilling careers. Not having a college degree doesn't mean you can't get a job; it just means your path may be different. You already have transferable abilities, including communication, scheduling, organizing, and problem-solving, because of your prior administrative experience. In many positions outside of administrative ones, those form the basis.
Here are some directions worth exploring:
- Project coordination/management: organizing timelines, tasks, and teams.
- Customer success/client relations: supporting clients, solving problems, and building relationships.
- Operations: making systems run smoothly in businesses or nonprofits.
- Sales support or account management: using people skills plus admin strengths.
- Creative/tech-adjacent roles: social media management, content creation, basic design, or entry-level IT support (many don’t require a degree if you show skill).
How to start moving forward:
- Audit your skills: list out what you’re good at and what you actually enjoy doing in your current role.
- Upskill smartly: explore short courses or certifications (many free/low-cost online). For example, Google certificates in project management, digital marketing, or UX design carry weight even without a degree.
- Network: let people in your circle know you’re exploring. Sometimes opportunities come through conversations, not job boards.
- Target job titles, not industries: you may find roles in nonprofits, startups, or corporate settings that all use the same skill set in different ways.
The "perfect job" is about aligning your abilities with environments that reward them, not about going after one magical title. And you have the groundwork to make that change already.
Best wishes!
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Karla. Finding the perfect job without a college degree is a common challenge, but it's far from impossible. In other words, you don't need a college degree to find a job you love. Lots of people are finding success by focusing on skills, not on a diploma/degree.
First, let's figure out what you're really good at. As an administrative assistant, you've got skills like organization and problem-solving. But what else? What do you do that makes you feel alive? Maybe you're a whiz with spreadsheets, a natural at organizing events, or great at making things look good.
Next, find out what kind of jobs fit those skills and don't require a degree. The tech world is huge and full of opportunities for people who can learn on their own. You could look into becoming a project manager, a UX designer, or even a data analyst. If you're into hands-on work, there's a big demand for skilled trades like electricians and plumbers, which pay really well.
Once you know what you want to do, start learning! The internet is your best friend here. There are tons of free or cheap online courses on sites like Coursera. You can get certifications that show employers you're serious. The most important thing is to start building a portfolio. If you're learning to code, put your projects on GitHub. If you're into design, create a website to show off your work. This is how you'll prove your value to employers, by showing them what you can do, not just what you've studied.
All the best.
First, let's figure out what you're really good at. As an administrative assistant, you've got skills like organization and problem-solving. But what else? What do you do that makes you feel alive? Maybe you're a whiz with spreadsheets, a natural at organizing events, or great at making things look good.
Next, find out what kind of jobs fit those skills and don't require a degree. The tech world is huge and full of opportunities for people who can learn on their own. You could look into becoming a project manager, a UX designer, or even a data analyst. If you're into hands-on work, there's a big demand for skilled trades like electricians and plumbers, which pay really well.
Once you know what you want to do, start learning! The internet is your best friend here. There are tons of free or cheap online courses on sites like Coursera. You can get certifications that show employers you're serious. The most important thing is to start building a portfolio. If you're learning to code, put your projects on GitHub. If you're into design, create a website to show off your work. This is how you'll prove your value to employers, by showing them what you can do, not just what you've studied.
All the best.
Updated
elizabeth’s Answer
Hi Karla,
I've been in your shoes before, feeling the same way in a past job. I was told I was "too emotional" or "taking things too seriously," but I just wanted to do my job well. By networking and making connections, I moved from being a garbage collector to a work-from-home buyer.
Here's what helped me:
1. Persistence: I always worked hard, and upper management noticed my efforts.
2. Communication: I collaborated with different departments and built strong relationships, especially with my current manager. This helped me secure my new role.
3. Confidence: Being confident makes a difference, especially in interviews. Practice answering questions and stay calm and assured.
Lastly, advocate for yourself. It's up to you to push forward and drive change. Ask questions, join meetings, and explore new opportunities. You might discover a job you love, just like I did.
I've been in your shoes before, feeling the same way in a past job. I was told I was "too emotional" or "taking things too seriously," but I just wanted to do my job well. By networking and making connections, I moved from being a garbage collector to a work-from-home buyer.
Here's what helped me:
1. Persistence: I always worked hard, and upper management noticed my efforts.
2. Communication: I collaborated with different departments and built strong relationships, especially with my current manager. This helped me secure my new role.
3. Confidence: Being confident makes a difference, especially in interviews. Practice answering questions and stay calm and assured.
Lastly, advocate for yourself. It's up to you to push forward and drive change. Ask questions, join meetings, and explore new opportunities. You might discover a job you love, just like I did.
Updated
Somokanta’s Answer
Feeling stuck without a degree? You're definitely not alone, and it doesn't mean you're stuck. Many feel like they have more to give but are held back by their job or lack of a degree. The good news is that today's job market values skills and experience just as much, if not more, than a formal education.
Your experience as an administrative assistant is a great asset. You've developed key skills like organization, communication, tech know-how, and problem-solving, which are needed in many fields.
How to Move Forward and Achieve Your Goals
Step 1: Self-Assessment
Think about:
- What are you really good at?
- What tasks make you feel energized or come easily to you?
Make a list from your current job, like organizing tasks, fixing tech problems, writing reports, or handling client communications.
Step 2: Explore Careers That Don’t Need a Degree
Your skills can lead to jobs in growing fields like:
- Tech: IT Support, QA Testing (Consider a CompTIA A+ certification)
- Marketing/Sales: Digital Marketing, Sales Representative (Try Google Analytics or Meta Blueprint)
- Operations: Project Coordinator (Get a Google Project Management certificate)
Step 3: Bridge the Gap Smartly
- Learn More for Less: Use sites like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or Skillshare for affordable certificates.
- Network Wisely: Connect with people on LinkedIn in your desired roles. Seek advice, insights, or mentorship.
Final Thought
Your admin experience is not a barrier—it's a stepping stone. Focus on building skills and getting certifications instead of degrees. With the right approach, you can move into a rewarding career that truly shows your potential.
Your experience as an administrative assistant is a great asset. You've developed key skills like organization, communication, tech know-how, and problem-solving, which are needed in many fields.
How to Move Forward and Achieve Your Goals
Step 1: Self-Assessment
Think about:
- What are you really good at?
- What tasks make you feel energized or come easily to you?
Make a list from your current job, like organizing tasks, fixing tech problems, writing reports, or handling client communications.
Step 2: Explore Careers That Don’t Need a Degree
Your skills can lead to jobs in growing fields like:
- Tech: IT Support, QA Testing (Consider a CompTIA A+ certification)
- Marketing/Sales: Digital Marketing, Sales Representative (Try Google Analytics or Meta Blueprint)
- Operations: Project Coordinator (Get a Google Project Management certificate)
Step 3: Bridge the Gap Smartly
- Learn More for Less: Use sites like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or Skillshare for affordable certificates.
- Network Wisely: Connect with people on LinkedIn in your desired roles. Seek advice, insights, or mentorship.
Final Thought
Your admin experience is not a barrier—it's a stepping stone. Focus on building skills and getting certifications instead of degrees. With the right approach, you can move into a rewarding career that truly shows your potential.
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED BY YOUR BOSS! He is only discouraging you because he wants you to stay as his employee! Listen to your own heart and do what feels right to yourself and your family, not to your boss! I cannot state more clearly that you should please go and pursue your dreams! Obviously to your boss at admin work your big dreams sound like fantasy, look at his job and that is why. Honestly, I am not here to insult your boss , but I do think dreams should always sound wild and unique- that is what can be the spark that will eventually ignite the flame, aka you will be successful. Greatest good luck and I hope you achieve your goals and USE THOSE CAPABALITIES YOU WERE GIFTED!!!!!!
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
7094
Answers
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Karla!
Your standards are high enough to do a job well beyond administrative assistant! Your supervisor is well aware of that - you could do his/her job! It turns out that many entrepreneurs have not studied a degree at college. Anyway, you would not rack up massive course tuition fees either by avoiding college.
There are remote internship jobs that can be done preparing documents, maintaining databases, and performing searches. You could do business consulting, rescuing companies from financial demise. Most unprofitability eventuates from indecision and procrastination. SEE https://www.onlymyhealth.com/what-is-decision-paralysis-and-how-to-deal-with-it-1705299893
When I am seeking more money I tutor students. All you really have to do is increase your visibility by networking! WORK ON THE NETWORKING:-
Networking methods include: - ‣ Swap business cards ‣ Give out your business pamphlets at expositions ‣ Go to industry meetings ‣ Swap phone numbers ‣ Indeed, LinkedIn ‣ Join a network group ‣ Utilize social media ‣ Let people
pick your brain at seminars answer questions ‣ Grow a database of new friends, and professional business contacts ‣ Join industry groups ‣ Attend conventions and conferences ‣ Send cold emails ‣ Set up informational interviews ‣ Offer assistance ‣ Attend group network events to introduce yourself ‣ Attend industry-related conferences ‣ Join online communities
‣ Participate in online forums ‣ Meet new contacts for coffee ‣ Reach out to potential contacts via email or social network sites ‣ Ask friends to introduce you to their contacts as a reliable person ‣ Stay in touch with former coworkers ‣ Go to shows with people ‣ Get invited to people's houses to have meals with them and watch movies and shows ‣ Hold public discussion groups ‣ Meet with Parents' and Teachers' Association Groups ‣ Have an amateur astronomer's star party ‣ Get to know and talk to your local medical doctors ‣ Meet with neighborhood clubs ‣ Meet with local health action groups ‣ Join public speaking groups like Toastmasters and Zonta ‣ Meet people at a fancy restaurant, sit down, talk, have meals together ‣ Pay your waiter a tab and converse ‣ Give local schoolchildren a talk about your work so that they can follow in your footsteps and get a career happening ‣ Get to know therapists.
GIVE PEOPLE VALUABLE GIFTS.
VOLUNTEER.
Your standards are high enough to do a job well beyond administrative assistant! Your supervisor is well aware of that - you could do his/her job! It turns out that many entrepreneurs have not studied a degree at college. Anyway, you would not rack up massive course tuition fees either by avoiding college.
There are remote internship jobs that can be done preparing documents, maintaining databases, and performing searches. You could do business consulting, rescuing companies from financial demise. Most unprofitability eventuates from indecision and procrastination. SEE https://www.onlymyhealth.com/what-is-decision-paralysis-and-how-to-deal-with-it-1705299893
When I am seeking more money I tutor students. All you really have to do is increase your visibility by networking! WORK ON THE NETWORKING:-
Networking methods include: - ‣ Swap business cards ‣ Give out your business pamphlets at expositions ‣ Go to industry meetings ‣ Swap phone numbers ‣ Indeed, LinkedIn ‣ Join a network group ‣ Utilize social media ‣ Let people
pick your brain at seminars answer questions ‣ Grow a database of new friends, and professional business contacts ‣ Join industry groups ‣ Attend conventions and conferences ‣ Send cold emails ‣ Set up informational interviews ‣ Offer assistance ‣ Attend group network events to introduce yourself ‣ Attend industry-related conferences ‣ Join online communities
‣ Participate in online forums ‣ Meet new contacts for coffee ‣ Reach out to potential contacts via email or social network sites ‣ Ask friends to introduce you to their contacts as a reliable person ‣ Stay in touch with former coworkers ‣ Go to shows with people ‣ Get invited to people's houses to have meals with them and watch movies and shows ‣ Hold public discussion groups ‣ Meet with Parents' and Teachers' Association Groups ‣ Have an amateur astronomer's star party ‣ Get to know and talk to your local medical doctors ‣ Meet with neighborhood clubs ‣ Meet with local health action groups ‣ Join public speaking groups like Toastmasters and Zonta ‣ Meet people at a fancy restaurant, sit down, talk, have meals together ‣ Pay your waiter a tab and converse ‣ Give local schoolchildren a talk about your work so that they can follow in your footsteps and get a career happening ‣ Get to know therapists.
GIVE PEOPLE VALUABLE GIFTS.
VOLUNTEER.
Updated
Yubirna’s Answer
Hi there Karla, If you don’t want to go to college you should consider going to trade school. It’s a good alternative for people who don’t want to go to college. Trade school offer’s so many options of career paths that are more hands on and the trade school staff’s can help you find connection to jobs after you graduate trade school best of luck to you.
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Elaine’s Answer
You don’t need a college degree to find meaningful and fulfilling work. Ask yourself: What are my strengths, interests, and values? Think about what type of work energises you. Please also keep in mind that many great jobs prioritise skills over degrees. Don’t wait for the “perfect” job aim for a stepping stone job that helps you learn and grow. Gain real-world experience, ask for feedback, and build a reputation for being reliable and eager to learn. Always be looking for the next opportunity to grow, even if it’s a lateral move that teaches you something new. Stay flexible as sometimes the right job finds you once you’ve put yourself out there and built momentum :-)
Good Luck!
Good Luck!
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to know that you have good capability.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Other than adminstration work, what other careers you have interest? Start thinking from your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
Eg if you like maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc.
If you have interest in music would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Identify the training you need for the caterer.
6. Explore job opportunities in the career
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Other than adminstration work, what other careers you have interest? Start thinking from your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
Eg if you like maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc.
If you have interest in music would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Identify the training you need for the caterer.
6. Explore job opportunities in the career
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Thank you, Rebecca!
Karla
Updated
Kufamuyeke K’s Answer
To find the best job for you without a college degree, think about what you like and what you are good at. Look for jobs that fit your skills and interests. You can try learning new skills online or at work. Talk to people who have jobs you like to get ideas. Keep trying and don’t give up. Your good work and high standards can help you find a better job.
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Leela’s Answer
1. Identify what truly interests you and what you'd enjoy doing over the next few years. This will help keep you motivated.
2. Explore free online courses from places like Stanford and Harvard. Also, look into affordable options on Udemy and LinkedIn.
3. Consider volunteering or internships to gain experience. If quitting your current job isn't possible, try to fit these activities into your evenings or weekends.
Returning to college could be beneficial. Some companies offer support and may even cover part of the costs.
2. Explore free online courses from places like Stanford and Harvard. Also, look into affordable options on Udemy and LinkedIn.
3. Consider volunteering or internships to gain experience. If quitting your current job isn't possible, try to fit these activities into your evenings or weekends.
Returning to college could be beneficial. Some companies offer support and may even cover part of the costs.
Updated
Jordan’s Answer
Consider exploring options like earning certificates in your chosen career field. Many jobs value these certificates, sometimes even more than college degrees, and they can qualify you for good positions with competitive pay. Check out job sites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor to find roles that interest you and see which ones only need a certificate. Job descriptions usually list the experience and qualifications needed, making it easier for you to plan your path.
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Annah’s Answer
Karla, where there is a will there is a way! Also, I want to point out it is great to have ambition and want to set your career bar higher. I have held many a job that was either mind numbing or interesting enough. By the later, what I mean is that I enjoyed the work but felt it did not allow me to use my cognitive and creative strengths. And this ultimately felt unsatisfying. I also know what it is like to feel stuck in something or not know how to take steps toward something else with more growth potential. There may be ways to set yourself up in an apprenticeship- where you are getting hands-on learning while getting paid. I don't know how prevalent such situations are and it may depend on the skill. I know people who have done this with crafts- such as jewelry making, or agricultural positions (working on a farm). To do something like this you need someone who believes in your capacity and values this type of education. I agree with other commenters about trade schools- many associated with community colleges. There is a range of programs from dental hygienist, nursing, digital arts, legal assistant, to marine technology. If you like administrative type tasks, you might consider training in something like grant writing or paralegal studies. Alternatives- beauty school or massage school. Many of these career paths pay as well as someone in my position with a graduate degree. Also, there are ways to attend part time or online while maintaining your current employment. Since COVID the number of online certifications has exploded; you can even get a PhD online these days. Do you need to do all this at once? Heck no. First figure out what it is you want to do, what you are good at, your ideal lifestyle, and the kind of work that suits your personality. Is organization your superpower, do you prefer being a team member or want to be in charge (management)? Do you want your work to impact your community or the environment? Do your research into potential paths with and without additional training. Some careers may favor applicants with college degrees but not turn away those without- for instance, flight attendant, police officer, or peer counselor. No matter what, any work experience is valuable! What you are doing now will pave the way for what you do next. We spend a lot of time working so this is a great and important question!
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Angel’s Answer
Look for jobs online at places like Indeed, LinkedIn, ZipRecruiter, and CareerBuilder. Create profiles on these job sites and explore the job listings. This will give you a good idea of what employers want.
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Steve’s Answer
You don’t always need a degree to land a better job, especially if you focus on building practical skills that employers can see in action. For example, many people break into tech by practicing on a Live Coding Interview Tool—these platforms let you demonstrate problem-solving and communication in real-time coding challenges. Even if you’re not from a traditional computer science background, learning programming and showcasing it through these tools can open doors to junior developer, QA, or operations roles. Employers value demonstrated ability more than just credentials.